Contribution of humic substances as a sink and source of carbon in tropical floodplain lagoons

Purpose

We evaluated the decay of humic (HA) and fulvic acids (FA) in order to discuss the contribution of these substances as a sink and source of carbon in a tropical lagoon.

Materials and methods

Experiments were conducted under aerobic and anaerobic conditions using FA and HA isolated from decomposition of Oxycaryum cubense submitted to 10 and 60 days of degradation. HA and FA were added to water samples from a tropical floodplain oxbow system, the Infernão Lagoon. The mineralization chambers were incubated in the dark at 21.0 °C. The carbon balance, electrical conductivity, pH, and optical density were measured over 95 days.

Results and discussion

The results from the carbon budget were fitted with a first-order kinetics model. The mineralization of refractory fractions predominated for both FA and HA. Overall, although the mineralization pathway yields varied according to the type of resource and oxygen availability, the mineralization half-lives were quite similar (49 to 64 days), suggesting a similar microbial catabolism efficiency during the decay of humic substances. The short-term routes are represented by biochemical oxidations, and the immobilization and labile fractions (varying from 0 to 30%) of FA and HA supported these processes. A yield varying from 61.0 to 91.3% represents a carbon source degradation in the middle term (ca. 2 months) considering the ecosystem.

Conclusions

In tropical floodplain lagoons, there are three carbon routes: (i) the IN₁, representing a short-term pathway (hours to days) in the carbon transformation and (ii) IN₃, a middle-term carbon source from HA and FA mineralization to the water column and subsequently to the atmosphere. A third route (IN₂) supported the heterotrophic metabolism of the lagoon acting as a transitory sink of carbon.

     

Soil porosity in physically separated fractions and its role in SOC protection

Purpose

Processes that lead to soil organic carbon (SOC) protection depend on both soil porosity and structure organization, as well as chemical and biological properties. In particular, the soil micro-nano porosity (<30 μm) regulates microorganism accessibility to the soil pore system and offers surfaces for organic carbon adsorption and intercalation into soil minerals. The aim of this work was to investigate how pore size distribution can selectively protect specific carbon pools in different aggregate size fractions, by considering the effects of long-term application of farmyard manure (FYM) and mineral (Min) fertilization.

Materials and methods

Macroaggregates (250–2000 μm), microaggregates (53–250 μm), and silt–clay (<53 μm) fractions of three different soils (clayey, peaty, and sandy) were separated by wet sieving technique and then subjected to chemical and physical analysis. Sample porosity and pore size distribution were analyzed using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), while SOC chemical structure was characterized by means of nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C cross-polarization–magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CP MAS ¹³C NMR)) and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopies.

Results and discussion

Results showed that FYM increased organic (OC) and humic carbon (HC) content compared to the Min fertilization and unfertilized soils. However, it caused a gradual decrease in O,N-alkyl C, and alkyl C of humic C from macroaggregate to silt–clay fractions, suggesting an advanced state of humic component degradation as revealed by CP MAS ¹³C NMR, DRIFT analyses. MIP analysis showed a clear increase of micropores (5–30 μm) and cryptopores (0.0035–0.1 μm) from macroaggregate to silt–clay fractions, while minor differences were observed among the treatments. The application of principal component analysis to mineral soil fractions identified the formation of three main clusters, where (i) macroaggregates of clayey soil were mainly associated to cryptopores and OC and (ii) microaggregates and silt–clay fraction were mainly isolated by carbonyl C, ultramicropores, and total porosity. The third cluster was associated with medium and fine sand of the sand soil fraction as coupled with O,N-alkyl C, anomeric C, mesopores, and HC/OC ratio.

Conclusions

Overall, this study indicates that pore size distribution may be a valuable indicator of soil capacity to sequester carbon, due to its direct influence on SOC linkages with soil aggregates and the positive effects against SOC decomposition phenomena. In this context, micropore- to nanopore-dominated structures (e.g., clayey soil) were able to protect OC compounds by interacting with mineral surfaces and intercalation with phyllosilicates, while meso/macropore-dominated structures (i.e., sandy soil) exhibited their low ability to protect the organic components.

     

Effects of in-situ straw decomposition on composition of humus and structure of humic acid at different soil depths

Purpose

Returning straw to soil improved soil carbon sequestration capacity and increase soil organic matter. However, in different soil depth, especially in subsoil, there were few studies on the effects of straw decomposition on soil carbon sequestration and the properties of humic substances. Therefore, an in-situ incubation study, with six different straw rates and three different soil depths, was carried out to explore the effects of straw decomposition on soil organic carbon and humic substance composition at different soil depths.

Materials and methods

The experiment was composed of six straw rates: 0, 0.44, 0.88, 1.32, 2.64, and 5.28% of soil dry mass. The maize straw was proportionately mixed with soil and put into nylon bags. Then, the nylon bags were buried in soil at three depths (15, 30, and 45 cm) and the straw decomposition trial lasted for 17 consecutive months in-situ. Soil samples were collected after completion of the field trial. Humic substances were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed using the modification method of humus composition and the methods specified by the International Humus Association. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy were used in this study.

Results and discussion

Results indicated that CO₂ concentration increased with increase in soil depth. Compared with the “zero” straw control, soil organic carbon contents in the treatments amended with 1.32, 2.64, and 5.28% maize straw increased significantly, and most accumulations were at 30–45 cm depths. FTIR and fluorescence emission spectra analyses indicated that the addition of straw enhanced the aliphatic structure and decreased the aromaticity of humic acid (HA), that was to say that HA molecular structure approaches to the development of simplification and younger. The maximum change in HA molecular structure was under the 5.28% treatment in the 30–45 cm depth.

Conclusions

Returning maize straw to the subsoil layers is more conducive to the accumulation of soil organic carbon and improvement of the quality and activity of HA and the organic carbon in the subsoil can be renewed.

     

The influence of soil organic matter fractions on aggregates stabilization in agricultural and forest soils of selected Slovak and Czech hilly lands

Purpose

Because the stability of soil aggregates is affected by many factors, we studied aggregates formed in forest and agricultural soils in different soil types (Cambisols, Luvisols, Chernozems). We evaluated: (1) the differences in water-stable aggregates (WSA) as related to soil type and land management and (2) the relationships between quantitative and qualitative parameters of soil organic matter (SOM), particle-size distribution and individual size classes of WSA.

Materials and methods

Soil samples were taken from three localities (Sobě?ice, Báb, Vieska nad ?itavou). Each study locality included both a forest and an agricultural soil-sampling area.

Results and discussion

We found that in forest soils, the proportion of water-stable macroaggregates (WSA_ma) relative to water-stable microaggregates (WSA_mi) was greater than in agricultural soils. When all soils were assessed together, positive statistically significant correlations were observed between the size classes WSA_ma > 1 mm and organic carbon (C_org) content; however, the WSA_mi content was negatively correlated with C_org content. Favorable humus quality positively influenced the stabilization of WSA_ma > 5 mm; however, we found it had a negative statistically significant effect on stabilization of WSA_ma 1–0.25 mm. In agricultural soils, the stabilization of WSA_ma was associated with humified, i.e., stable SOM. The WSA_ma content was highly positively influenced mainly by fulvic acids bound with clay and sesquioxides; therefore, we consider this humus fraction to be a key to macroaggregate stability in the studied agricultural soils. On the other side, all fractions of humic and fulvic acids participated on the formation of WSA_ma in forest soil, which is a major difference in organic stabilization agents of macroaggregates between studied forest and agricultural soils. Another considerable difference is that WSA_mi in agricultural soils were stabilized primarily with humic acids and in forest soils by fulvic acids. Moreover, in forest soils, a higher content of labile carbon in WSA had a positive effect on formation of WSA_mi.

Conclusions

The observed changes in individual size classes of WSA and interactions between SOM, particle-size distribution, and WSA have a negative impact on soil fertility and thereby endanger agricultural sustainability.

     

The impact of different land uses in urban area on humus quality

Purpose

In urban areas, humus quantity and quality depend less on natural environmental factors than on anthropogenic ones. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of different land use types of urban soils on the properties of soil organic matter (SOM).

Materials and methods

Thirty-five sites involving four ways of soil use were examined: lawns, allotment gardens, fallows, and arable lands. The study was conducted in Pruszków Town in the Warsaw Agglomeration, Central Poland. Lawns and allotment gardens were located in the central part of the town, whereas fallows and arable lands were in the peripheral zones. Humus horizons, to a depth of 0–20 cm, were analyzed. Using Na-pyrophosphate extraction, we determined the soluble SOM compounds (PY), and the organic matter in the extraction residue, considered as humins (HM). In a separate extraction (with 0.05 M H₂SO₄), low molecular weight (LMW) humus compounds were determined. The quantity of humic acids (HA) precipitated during Na-pyrophosphate extraction was determined as well. A spectroscopic method (UV-Vis) was used to characterize HA properties. The absorption coefficients E4/E6 were calculated based on the results of absorbance measurements involving 465- and 665-nm wavelengths of UV-Vis light. Statistical analyses were performed to find similarities and differences between soils differently used in Pruszków.

Results and discussion

The dominant part of the humus in the studied soils were humins HMs. There were two times more HM in the central part of the town than that in the peripheral zones. The same observation was made for soluble humus compounds (PY). The amount of LMW fractions was similar in soils of all uses. The degree of humification was small and averaged about 30% for all soils. Fulvic acid (FA) concentrations predominated over HA concentrations in all soils. The least condensed HA occurred in the allotment gardens with an E4/E6 ratio of 5.7, whereas the most condensed HAs were present in soil on arable lands (E4/E6 ratio of 4.7).

Conclusions

The studies have shown that the type of land use affects humus properties. The main differences were found to be in the quantity of humus compounds. Soils from the central part of the town contained more stable (HM) and soluble (PY) compounds than soils in the outskirts of town. PY compounds were characterized by a simple structure. Fulvic acids (FA) dominated in all of the studied soils (low HA/FA ratio). A high E4/E6 ratio indicates low maturity of humic fractions with low molecular weight compounds.

     

Exclosure on CT-measured soil macropore characteristics in the Inner Mongolia grassland of northern China

Purpose

Grassland exclosure is a widely-used option to prevent from grazing in degraded grasslands for restoration. However, the influence of exclosure on soil macropore of grassland remain scarce. The objective of this study was to quantify the pore architecture of grassland soils under exclosure.

Materials and methods

Two treatments, 9E (grassland enclosed for 9 years) and 5E (grassland enclosed for 5 years), were designed, with grazing as a control in the experiment. Nine soil columns (0–50 cm deep) were taken at the three sites with three replicates. At each site, three soil columns were from the grassland, and cores were scanned with a Philips Brilliance ICT Medical Scanner. Numbers of macropores, macroporosity, network density, length density, and node density within the 50-cm soil profile were interpreted from X-ray computed tomography to analyze soil pore architecture.

Results and discussion

The results indicated that exclosure significantly influenced CT-measured soil macroporosity in the Inner Mongolia grassland of northern China. Soils under enclosed grassland had greater macroporosity, length density, total volume, and node density than that of under freely grazed grassland. Macroporosity increased as the enclosure age increased. For soils under enclosed grassland, macropores were concentrated at 0–300-mm soil layers, and macropores were mainly present at 0–100-mm soil depth under freely grazed grassland. The large number of macropores found in soil under enclosed grassland can be attributed to greater root development.

Conclusions

Exclosure increases soil macroporosity and improve soil structure.

     

How environmental and vegetation factors affect spatial patterns of soil carbon and nitrogen in a subtropical mixed forest in Central China

Purpose

Soil properties are highly heterogeneous in forest ecosystems, which poses difficulties in estimating soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools. However, little is known about the relative contributions of environmental factors and vegetation to spatial variations in soil C and N, especially in highly diverse mixed forests. Here, we examined the spatial variations of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) in a subtropical mixed forest in central China, and then quantified the main drivers.

Materials and methods

Soil samples (n = 972) were collected from a 25-ha forest dynamic plot in Badagonshan Nature Reserve, central China. All trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥1 cm and topography data in the plot were surveyed in detail. Geostatistical analyses were used to characterize the spatial variability of SOC and TN, while variation partitioning combined with Mantel’s test were used to quantify the relative contribution of each type of factors.

Results and discussion

Both surface soil (0–10 cm) and subsurface soil (10–30 cm) exhibited moderate spatial autocorrelation with explainable fractions ranged from 31 to 47 %. The highest contribution to SOC and TN variation came from soil variables (including soil pH and available phosphorus), followed by vegetation and topographic variables. Although the effect of topography was weak, Mantel’s test still showed a significant relationship between topography and SOC. Strong interactions among these variables were discovered. Compared with surface soil, the explanatory power of environmental variables was much lower for subsurface soil.

Conclusions

The differences in relative contributions between surface and subsurface soils suggest that the dominating ecological process are likely different in the two soil depths. The large unexplained variation emphasized the importance of fine-scale variations and ecological processes. The large variations in soil C and N and their controlling mechanisms should be taken into account when evaluating how forest managements may affect C and N cycles.

     

Contrast effect of long-term fertilization on SOC and SIC stocks and distribution in different soil particle-size fractions

Purpose

The objectives of the study were (1) to quantify the long-term effects of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer (NP) and a combination of nitrogen-phosphorus with organic manure (NPM) on total soil organic carbon (SOC) and total soil inorganic carbon (SIC), (2) to identify the changes of SOC and SIC in soil particle-size fractions, and (3) to investigate the relationship between SOC and SIC.

Materials and methods

Two long-term field experiments (sites A and B) were performed in 1984 (site A) and 1979 (site B) in the North China Plain. The soil samples were collected in 2006 and separated for clay, silt and sand size particle fractions and then determined for SOC and SIC.

Results and discussion

The long-term fertilization significantly increased SOC in 0–20 cm soil layer by 9–68% but significantly decreased or had no effect on SIC. In total, soil carbon storage was little affected by NP, but significantly increased by NPM application (p < 0.05). Fertilization affected both SOC and SIC in sand- and silt-sized particles but not in clay-size fraction. Both NP and NPM increased SOC in sand- and silt-sized particles by 8.7–123.9% in the 0–20 cm layer but decreased SIC up to 80.4% in the 40–60 cm layer. The SOC concentration in the particle-size fractions was negatively correlated with SIC concentration, which may imply an antagonistic interaction between organic and inorganic carbon levels.

Conclusions

These results illustrate the importance of soil inorganic carbon pool in evaluating soil total carbon pool in semi-arid farmlands. Previous assessments of the effects of fertilizers on the soil carbon pool, using only SOC determinations, require re-evaluation with the inclusion of SIC determinations.

     

Distribution and fractionation of cadmium in soil aggregates affected by earthworms (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eisenia fetida</Emphasis>) and manure compost

Purpose

The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the effects of manure compost and earthworms on Cd mobility in Cd-contaminated soil, (2) to test whether the bioturbation of earthworms reduces the immobilization effect of the manure compost when they are combined, and (3) to explore the distribution of Cd in aggregates formed by earthworms with corresponding fractionation analysis.

Materials and methods

A laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of either or both application of manure compost and the earthworms Eisenia fetida into cadmium historically contaminated soil on cadmium mobility. Soil characteristics and metal concentrations in earthworms and soil were measured, and soil aggregates in the mesocosms were separated for Cd fraction analysis based on four steps sequential extraction.

Results and discussion

Manure compost reduced mobile Cd based on CaCl₂ extraction and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test by 60–95 and 25–30 %, respectively. However, earthworm application alone increased Cd mobility by 9–15 %. Besides, in the presence of manure compost, earthworms further immobilized cadmium to a slight extent. The interaction effect of manure compost and earthworms combined on Cd immobilization suggested that earthworms promoted the formation of large macroaggregates (>2 mm) and the redistribution of Cd concentration in soil aggregates. Additionally, earthworms reduced carbonate fraction of Cd from 42.3–49.6 to 6.3–19.5 % in different aggregates, respectively. And, residual fraction of Cd increased from 33.9–42.2 to 63.9–77.5 % simultaneously. The results may be due to the thorough mixture of phosphates and organic matter with cadmium during bioturbation on account of the available form of phosphorus, nitrogen, and cadmium changing to the more recalcitrant form.

Conclusions

Manure compost addition increased the soil pH, phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic carbon content, and decreased Cd mobility. The application of earthworms and manure compost combined exhibited higher efficiency for cadmium immobilization, which can be used for Cd remediation due to the redistribution of Cd concentration in soil aggregates and the transformation of soluble Cd to the residual precipitate fraction.

     

Humic substances alter the uptake and toxicity of nanodiamonds in wheat seedlings

Purpose

Detonation synthesis nanodiamonds (ND) are among the most widely applied nanoparticles due to their low cost of production and broad scope of applications. However, the fate and behavior of NDs in the environment are largely unknown. The behavior of NDs is greatly affected by humic substances (HSs), which comprise 50 to 80 % of natural organic matter in water and soil ecosystems. The uptake of detonation NDs by wheat seedlings and its toxicity were evaluated in the presence of seven HSs of different origins, including humic acids (HA, HS fraction soluble in alkali and insoluble in acid) and fulvic acids (FA, soluble in both alkali and acid).

Materials and methods

To monitor the uptake of NDs by plants, tritium-labeled NDs were produced. Liquid scintillation spectrometry and autoradiography were used to determine the amount of NDs absorbed by plants. The photosynthetic activity of the plants was measured using light response curves.

Results and discussion

After a 24-h exposure period, the ND content in the plant roots was 1720 μg g^?1. The introduction of HSs decreased the ND contents in the plant roots to 680–1570 μg g^?1 (except for peat FA, for which the ND content did not differ from the blank value). The observed phenomenon was probably related mainly to the influence of HSs on the zeta potential of the NDs, which shifted from positive to negative. Based on chlorophyll fluorescence evaluation, the toxicity of NDs did not inhibit photosynthesis during illumination in the physiological range. However, NDs were slightly toxic to wheat plants under excessive light, likely due to the inhibition of electron transport between Q _A and Q _B and the disruption of the formation of a thylakoid transmembrane potential.

Conclusions

The introduction of HA in a suspension of NDs obviously reduced the inhibiting effect of the NDs; however, the mitigating activities of FA were not so apparent. Our results demonstrate the urgent need for further studies of the influences of NDs on plant growth and development.

     

Fly ash and zeolite amendments increase soil nutrient retention but decrease paddy rice growth in a low fertility soil

Purpose

Fly ash (FA) and zeolite (Z) are known to increase nutrient retention in paddy soils through the immobilization of phosphorus (P) by FA and nitrogen (N) by Z. However, there is a possibility that the co-application of the amendments may hamper rice growth due to reduced availability of the nutrients. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the co-application of FA and Z on soil N and P availability and rice growth.

Materials and methods

Rice was cultivated in soils without the amendment (control) and with the amendment: FA alone, Z alone, and both FA and Z. Tiller number, dry matter (DM), rice uptake of N and P, and soil N and P concentrations were determined.

Results and discussion

The application of FA and Z increased N and P concentrations in the soils; however, such increased nutrient retention did not translate to DM increases. Results suggested that reduced mobility of nutrients hampered tillering in the early growth period, eventually leading to a reduction in DM accumulation at the harvest. Due to the nutrient limitation caused by FA and Z, the rice grown with both FA and Z did not survive at the harvest.

Conclusions

Our study shows that the application of FA and Z does not always improve rice growth due to nutrient limitation, especially in a low fertility soil. Furthermore, the co-application of FA and Z should be avoided, as the negative impact of FA or Z on nutrient limitation became more severe when FA and Z were co-amended.

     

Land preparation and vegetation type jointly determine soil conditions after long-term land stabilization measures in a typical hilly catchment,Loess Plateau of China

Purpose

Land preparation (e.g., leveled ditches, leveled benches, adversely graded tableland, and fish-scale pits) is one of the most effective ecological engineering practices to reduce water erosion in the Loess Plateau, China. Land preparation greatly affects soil physicochemical properties. This study investigated the influence of different land preparation techniques during vegetation restoration on soil conditions, which remained poorly understood to date.

Materials and methods

Soil samples were collected from depths of 0–10, 10–20, 20–40, 40–60, 60–80, and 80–100 cm, in the typical hilly watershed of Dingxi City, Loess Plateau. Soil bulk density (BD), soil organic matter (SOM), and total nitrogen (TN) were determined for different land preparations and vegetation type combinations. Fractal theory was used to analyze soil particle size distribution (PSD).

Results and discussion

(1) The effect of land preparation on soil properties and PSD varied with soil depth. For each land preparation category, SOM and TN values showed a significant difference between the top soil layer and the underlying soil depths. (2) The fractal dimension of PSD showed a significant positive correlation with clay and silt content, but a significant negative correlation with sand content. (3) The 20 cm soil layer was a boundary that distinguished the explanatory factors, with land preparation and vegetation type as the controlling factors in the 0–20- and 20–100-cm soil layers, respectively.

Conclusions

Land preparation and vegetation type significantly influenced soil properties, with 20 cm soil depth being the boundary for these two factors. This study provided a foundation for developing techniques for vegetation restoration in water-limited ecosystems.

     

Stability of soil organic carbon and potential carbon sequestration at eroding and deposition sites

Purpose

This study aims to explore the dynamics of the factors influencing soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and stability at erosion and deposition sites.

Materials and methods

Thermal properties and dissolved aromatic carbon concentration along with Al, Fe concentration and soil specific surface area (SSA) were studied to 1 meter depth at two contrasting sites.

Results and discussion

Fe, Al concentrations and SSA size increased with depth and were negatively correlated with SOC concentration at the erosion site (P?<?0.05), while at the deposition site, these values decreased with increasing depth and were positively correlated with SOC concentration (P?<?0.05). TG mass loss showed that SOC components in the two contrasting sites were similar, but the soils in deposition site contained a larger proportion of labile organic carbon and smaller quantities of stable organic carbon compared to the erosion site. SOC stability increased with soil depth at the erosion site. However, it was slightly variable in the depositional zone. Changes in SUVA₂₅₄ spectroscopy values indicated that aromatic moieties of DOC at the erosion site were more concentrated in the superficial soil layer (0–20 cm), but at the deposition site they changed little with depth and the SUVA₂₅₄ values less than those at the erosion site.

Conclusions

Though large amounts of SOC accumulated in the deposition site, SOC may be vulnerable to severe losses if environmental conditions become more favorable for mineralization in the future due to accretion of more labile carbon. Deep soil layers at the erosion site (>30 cm deep) had a large carbon sink potential.

     

The effect of application of organic manures and mineral fertilizers on the state of soil organic matter and nutrients in the long-term field experiment

Purpose

Soil organic matter (SOM) plays an important role in terrestrial ecosystems and agroecosystems. Changes in the agricultural sector in the Czech Republic within the past 25 years have had a negative impact on SOM content and contribute to gradual soil degradation. The aim of this study is to estimate the effect of long-term application of different mineral fertilizers (NPK) and organic manures (manure, cattle slurry) on soil chemical properties (quality of humus, available nutrients, and soil reaction).

Materials and methods

Soil samples were collected from Luvisol during two selected periods 1994–2003 and 2014–2016 from long-term field experiment carried out in Prague-Ruzyně (Czech Republic). Average annual temperature is 8.5 °C, and annual precipitations are 485 mm. Different fertilization regimes have been applied for 62 years. The crop rotation was as follows: cereals (45%), root crops (33%) and legumes (22%). Soil analysis—soil organic carbon (SOC) was determined by oxidimetric titration method. Short fractionation method for evaluation of humic substance (HS), humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) content was used. Absorbance of HS in UV-VIS spectral range was measured by Varian Carry 50 Probe UV-VIS spectrometer. Degree of humification (DH) and color index (Q_4/6) were calculated from fractional composition data. Soil reaction was measured by potentiometric method. Available nutrients (phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium) were determined by Mehlich II and Mehlich I methods and by ICP-OES. For data analysis, the following are used: exploratory data analysis, ANOVA, and principal component analysis (PCA).

Results and discussion

PCA analysis differentiated fertilizers into two categories: (1) variant NPK (lower quality of humus)—higher acidity, lower SOC and HS content, predomination of FA, higher DH and lower content of available nutrients; (2) variants with organic manures (higher quality of humus)—lower acidity, higher SOC and HS content, predomination of HA, middle DH, and high content of available nutrients. The main result of presented study is to give a synthesis of effect of different type of fertilizers on a sustainable organic matter management in arable soils, with respect to yields, food security and adaptation to predict climate changes.

Conclusions

Long-term application of mineral fertilizers (NPK) without organic matter input can accelerate humus mineralization and soil quality degradation with all negative consequences such as (nitrogen leaching, higher availability of toxic element for plants, slow energy for soil microorganisms etc.). Application of organic fertilizers (manure and cattle slurry) helps to achieve the long-term stable yields while maintaining soil at optimum quality (long-term sustainable management with SOM). Principal component analysis is a useful tool for evaluation of soil quality changes.

     

Particle and structure characterization of fulvic acids from agricultural soils

Purpose

Structural studies on fulvic acids (FAs) are of significant importance since FAs are involved in many environmentally important processes, such as adsorption and transportation of nutrients, trace elements, and organic pollutants. Interactions between suspended and dissolved soil components are controlled by a variety of attractive and repulsive interparticle forces influenced partially by FA properties. The aim of this paper is a detailed characterization of FAs derived from agricultural soils varied with physicochemical properties.

Materials and methods

Forty topsoils (pH_KCL?=?3.8–7.8, clay content?=?0–6%, and TOC?=?7.0–187.2 g kg^?1) were collected from rural area. Fulvic acids (FAs) were isolated according to the IHSS method. The overall FA solutions were purified by nonionic macroporous acrylic ester resin (DAX-8), and the organic carbon content in FA fraction (FA-OC) was determined by a liquid C–N analyzer. The particle size diameter (PSD) and polydispersity (PDI) were analyzed by a dynamic light scattering technique, while the zeta potential (ZP) was measured using an electrophoretic light scattering method. Spectroscopic properties of FAs, including occurrence and distribution of functional groups, were investigated by near-IR spectroscopy.

Results and discussion

Agricultural soils differed substantially, with FA-OC content ranging from 0.6 to 8.8 g kg^?1 that accounted for 0.5 to 22.6% of TOC. The PSD exhibited wide range of particle size (0.2 to 69.6 nm) and was characterized by different polydispersity (14–183.1%). The ZP described the behavior, and surface charge of FA particles varied from ??1.7 to +?3.3 mV. Low ZP characterized 77% of FAs and indicated the ease of aggregate formation and intermolecular connections. The measured ZP also showed that suspended organic particles of FAs had both positive and negative charges, which was confirmed by the spectroscopic analysis. The presence of negative charges on FA particle surfaces was connected with the occurrence of phenol and carboxyl groups while positive charge with amine.

Conclusions

Detailed characterization of FAs from agricultural soils confirms their heterogeneous and complex nature. The results indicate that FAs mainly exist as small molecules that form molecular aggregates or associations in solutions. FA in a solution of a similar ionic strength may be positively or negatively charged due to its chemical structure and aggregate behavior which affects their properties in the soil.

     

Dialeimmasol,urban soil of pavements

Purpose

From technic materials and constructions, new types of soils develop. A widespread example is the soil of pavements in sidewalks and partially sealed sites. Their main characteristic is a surface layer of concrete slabs and cobbles which are arranged in regular intervals and the occurrence of breaks between pavement stones with narrow gaps which are filled with fine earth. We propose the term Dialeimmasols (from Greek dialeimma, break) to designate them. These soils were rarely noticed until now and not sufficiently described in terms of soil classification. The aim of the investigation was to determine the soil characteristics and soil formation of Dialeimmasols.

Materials and methods

Six Dialeimmasols were investigated. The examples covered the area from the fringe to the center and heavy industry sites of a city. They included an underpass. To identify particles and compounds of the loose material, samples were taken in thin layers from 0 to 0.2, 0.2–1.0, 1–2, and 2–5 cm in the gaps and in the deeper part. Soil color, texture, pH, carbonate content, organic carbon, C/N ratio, iron, and manganese content were determined.

Results and discussion

Value and chroma of moist soil color and organic carbon (OC) content indicated the formation of an Ah horizon in the gaps. A distinct accumulation of very fine sand (2–6 %), silt (11–20 %), OC (2–10 %), Fe (0.6–3.4 %), and Mn ( 350–1700 mg kg^?1) occurred in a matrix from mainly coarse and medium sand. The pH was neutral to alkaline (pH 6.6–8.9). Slabs and cobbles, and the sand beneath them, stayed unchanged. The narrow C/N ratio of the soil in the pavement gaps indicated, under open air, an origin of accumulated fine material from other soils and surrounding vegetation. In contrast, the soil example of an underpass had a wide C/N ratio that indicated an origin of fine material from traffic.

Conclusions

Dialeimmasols belong to the new soil group which could develop from materials of pavements and an urban environment. The formation of Dialeimmasols differs distinctly from that of other soils by the unique feature of migration of fine-sized particles into a soil matrix of coarse and medium sand. Therefore, Dialeimmasols are proposed as a separate soil group in soil taxonomies. In the system of World Reference Base for Soil Resources, they belong to the Technosols. It is proposed to distinguish them from Ekranic Technosols and designate them by the principal qualifier Dialeimmic (dl) as Dialeimmic Technosols.

     

Effect of biochar amendment on water infiltration in a coastal saline soil

Purpose

Increasing data have shown that biochar amendment can improve soil fertility and crop production, but there is little knowledge about whether biochar amendment can improve water infiltration in saline soils. We hypothesized that biochar amendment could promote water infiltration in saline soil. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of biochar amendment on water infiltration and find the suitable amendment rate and particle size of biochar as a saline soil conditioner.

Materials and methods

We measured water infiltration parameters in a coastal saline soil (silty loam) amended with non-sieved biochar at different rates (0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10%, w/w) or sieved biochar of different particle sizes (≤?0.25 mm, 0.25–1 mm, and 1–2 mm) at 1 and 10% (w/w).

Results and discussion

Compared with the control, amending non-sieved biochar at 10% significantly decreased water infiltration into the saline soil (P?<?0.05). In contrast, sieved biochar of ≤?0.25 mm significantly improved water infiltration capacity, irrespective of the amendment rate. Sieved biochar of 1–2 mm was less effective to improve soil porosity and when amended at 10%, it even reduced the water infiltration capacity. The Philip model (R²?=?0.983–0.999) had a better goodness-of-fit than the Green-Ampt model (R²?=?0.506–0.923) for simulation of cumulative infiltration.

Conclusions

Amending biochar sieved to a small particle size improved water infiltration capacity of the coastal saline soil compared with non-sieved biochar irrespective of the amendment rate. This study contributes toward improving the hydrological property of coastal saline soil and rationally applying biochar in the field.

     

Characterization of soil physico-chemical parameters and limitations for revegetation in serpentine quarry soils (NW Spain)

Purpose

Quarrying activities in areas with serpentinized rocks may have a negative impact on plant growth. Quarry soils generally offer hostile environments for plant growth due to their low-nutrient availability, low organic matter, and high-trace metal content.

Materials and methods

In order to determine the factors that can limit plant revegetation, this study was carried out in two serpentine quarries in Galicia (NW Spain): one abandoned in 1999 and the other still active.

Results and discussion

The results show that in soils developed in the abandoned quarry, the limitations for revegetation were: moderate alkaline pH (7.87–8.05), strong Ca/Mg (<1) imbalance, low N (<0.42 mg kg^?1) and P (<2 mg kg^?1) content, and high total heavy-metal content (Co 76–147 mg kg^?1; Cr 1370–2600 mg kg^?1; and Ni 1340–2040 mg kg^?1). The limitations were much less intense in the soils developed in the substratum in the active quarry, which were incipient soils poorly developed and permanently affected by the quarrying activity.

Conclusions

Restoration work should be geared toward establishing a stable diverse vegetation cover, including serpentinophile species, which would provide the necessary modifications to correct nutritive imbalances and improve soil quality.

     

Changes in forest soil organic matter quality affected by windstorm and wildfire

Purpose

Windthrows and fires are major natural disturbances in forest ecosystems, which can affect organic matter in the surface and the mineral layer of forest soil. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the changes occurring in the structure and properties of humic acid (HA) in the lands where windthrows and wildfires occurred.

Materials and methods

In November 2004, the forest in the area of 12,000 ha in the Tatra National Park, Slovakia, was seriously damaged by northern wind gusts exceeding 200 km/h. In July 2005, a wildfire broke out in a 220 ha of wind-damaged area. The HAs have been isolated from four research plots: (a) the area where the fallen trees were removed (EXT); (b) an area after windstorm covered by wood from struck trees (NEX), left for spontaneous succession; (c) an area after extracted timber, damaged by the surface wildfire (FIR); and (d) a reference intact spruce forest area (REF). Changes in the chemical structure of the HAs isolated from the research plots were determined on the basis of elemental analysis and UV-Vis, EPR, IR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy.

Results and discussion

All used analytical methods showed a decrease in the humification degree of the humic acids extracted from the soils where the spruce forest has been affected by a wildfire and a windthrow. In the case of the control sample HA (REF), the calculated atomic H/C and O/C ratios and the degree of aromaticity (α) calculated from the ¹³C NMR spectra were higher, indicating higher aromaticity of HA from the REF area. The more complex and developed structure of REF HA was confirmed by the higher value of E^1%₆ and the lower E4/E6 ratio obtained using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Also, the higher g-parameters determined from the EPR spectra of the stable radicals present in HA confirmed the lower aromaticity on the plots that have been subjected to the calamities. The ¹³C NMR spectra and the elemental analysis show that the structure of the HA extracted from the NEX plot is the closest to the REF.

Conclusions

The results of the systematic research showed significant changes in the structure of HA taken from spruce forest soils that were subjected to windstorms and fires. An enrichment of the HAs in aliphatic carbon and so a lower humification degree of the organic matter in the areas calamity-affected were observed. The results clearly indicate that the HAs extracted from the disturbed plots of the spruce forest are not as stable as those extracted taken from the control plot.

     

Impacts of continuous excessive fertilization on soil potential nitrification activity and nitrifying microbial community dynamics in greenhouse system

Purpose

Sampling and analysis of greenhouse soils were conducted in Shouguang, China, to study continuous excessive fertilization effect on nitrifying microbial community dynamics in greenhouse environment.

Materials and methods

Potential nitrification activity (PNA), abundance, and structure of nitrifying microbial communities as well as the correlations with soil properties were investigated.

Results and discussion

Short-term excessive fertilization increased soil nutrient contents and the diversity of nitrifying microbial communities under greenhouse cultivation. However, the abundance and diversity of nitrifying communities decreased greatly due to the increase of soil acidity and salinity after 14 years of high fertilization in greenhouse. There was a significant positive correlation between soil PNA and the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) but not that of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in topsoil (0–20 cm) when pH ≥7. Soil PNA and AOB were strongly influenced by soil pH. The groups of Nitrososphaeraceae, Nitrosomonadaceae, and Nitrospiraceae were predominant in the AOA, AOB, and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) communities, respectively. Nitrifying community structure was significantly correlated with soil electrical salinity (EC), organic carbon (OC), and nitrate nitrogen (NO₃ ^?–N) content by redundancy analysis (RDA).

Conclusions

Nitrification was predominated by AOB in greenhouse topsoil with high fertilizer loads. Soil salinity, OC, NO₃ ^?–N content, and pH affected by continuous excessive fertilization were the major edaphic factors in shaping nitrifying community structure in greenhouse soils.